ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

Mm. I've always had this image of you in my mind, the model student that everyone admires, and only wish they could be as exemplary as you. [He goes red in the face, feeling embarrassed about explaining this.]

But I quickly realize you're not this perfect being. You have flaws and your own desires too, they're just hiding behind this sense of duty you've always had to uphold. [He grins.] I think it's good, that you can be yourself here.

[ He flushes a bit at that, embarrassed, and dips his head. Of course Naruhodou would be able to cut to the heart of everything. ]

. . . hahh. I've always said that . . . you were probably the only one who really understood me. [ He shakes his head, trying to hide just how red he is. ] To this day, that's still true.

...Ah. [He laughs softly, seeing his partner just as flustered as he was.] I think I understand now why you thought of me as your best friend.

You didn't before?

[ He's already regaining his composure, only the hint of red remaining on his face. The heat emanating from him is just from his fever, it's fine. ]

[He shakes his head.] You were still the cool Asougi Kazuma to me. Why would someone like him make time for an average guy like me?

Because you're a good friend to have . . .

[ His voice trails off, like he's confused as to why this is even a question at all. ]

. . .Sorry for sounding like a broken record, but before I met you, I never would have considered myself a friend worth anyone's time. No one really gave me the kind of time you did, someone who would willingly talk to me about things besides schoolwork. [It was always help with translation homework or run some errands and so forth. He didn't mind it though, at least he was useful for something. He rubs the back of his neck.]

It's probably my own fault things turned out the way it did. At some point, I just. . .forgot how to make friends. [Or maybe his weird taste in hobbies and such made it difficult for others to find even ground, and though he may not have been the model student, but he was certainly the "by the book" kind of student. Whatever the case, at best he'd have acquainted friends. He lets out a long tired sigh.] I guess it was just easier to worry about my studies and staying out of trouble.

. . .

[ After a long moment of silence, he reaches over, placing his hands on Naruhodou's face, resting against his cheeks lightly. There's something stiff and wavery about them, but that's the sickness talking. Still, he holds them there. ]

You're worth it.

. . .[His lips tremble as he shuts his eyes, trying to hold back the tears. He thought he would be okay, but everytime Asougi talked to him like this, reminding him that he was worthwhile to someone, he ends up falling apart anyway. He nods, reaching up to put his hand over one of his.] So are you. [He puts on his best smile, eventhough there were tears falling down his face.]

Honestly, Naruhodou . . .

[ Despite his words, though, his tone is warm, fond. He wipes away a few of the tears with his thumbs, shaking his head slowly. ]

Stop making me cry then! [Even as he says that, he's laughing. At least he's not upset crying.] Only you would make me feel this way.

It's not hard.

[ He lifts his hand, using the whole thing to brush the tears from his cheek. ]

[He groans, grabbing a hold of that hand with both of his.] I'll get better! [He sniffles, proceeding to wipe the remaining tears himself.]

I believe you.

[ Though his tone is a bit teasing. He seems tired, but that's probably the sickness talking. ]

[There's a few more quiet sniffles, as he looks back up to him. Have long have they been talking? He reaches up to press his hand on his cheek. He's so warm.] . . . You should focus on getting better yourself.